Communication Sciences and Disorders
One of the primary goals of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to identify and support people with communication disorders. The IDEAS research project demonstrates this goal through its specific aim to develop a digital screening system “to identify children with symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder at an early stage.” The project was created in response to long waiting times and limited clinical diagnostic capacity for children suspected of having autism. By using automated speech and facial-expression recognition, the project aims to improve autism screening and allow children and their families to receive earlier diagnostic support.
Digital Humanities
For Digital Humanities, a related goal is to use digital tools to understand and analyze human experiences and culture. These goals align because both disciplines use technology as a way to better understand human communication and behavior. The IDEAS project demonstrates this connection by using digital tools to analyze speech and facial expressions in order to identify patterns related to autism. Therefore, the goal of using technology to gain a deeper understanding of human communication connects the work of CSD with the goals of Digital Humanities.
